SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP

Attaching the Battery Cables

The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).

•The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber boot covers the terminal to protect it from corrosion.

•Lift the tractor’s hood and remove the hex bolt and wing nut from the negative cable (thick black wire).

•Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the negative battery terminal and attach the negative cable to the negative battery terminal (–) with the bolt and wing nut..

Negative Cable

Positive Cable/

Rubber Boot

Hex Bolt

Wing

Nut

Figure 1

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on top of battery, charge as instructed on page 26 of this manual prior to operating the tractor.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a capacity of three gallons. Unthread the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise. Use only clean, fresh (under 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to no more than four inches below the top of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Do not overfill.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Refer to Checking the Oil Level on page 19 for detailed instructions. Be careful not to overfill.

Shipping Brace Removal

WARNING: Make sure the riding mower’s engine is off, set the parking brake and remove the ignition key before removing the shipping brace.

•Locate the shipping brace and warning tag found on the right side of the cutting deck. See Figure 2.

ShippingBrace

Warning Tag

Mulch Plug

NOTE: Model 1515 has a hairpin clip in place of a shipping brace

Figure 2

•While holding the discharge chute with your left hand, remove the shipping brace with your right hand by grasping it between your thumb and index finger and rotating it clockwise.

NOTE: Series 1500 tractors come equipped with a mulch plug installed inside the chute opening. Do NOT discard it. Refer to Mulching on page 16 for detailed information regarding your tractor’s mulching feature.

WARNING: The shipping brace, used for packaging purposes only, must be removed and discarded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding mower without the discharge cover in the proper operating position could result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

8